Eating While Broke : Pui cu Smantana (or in English, Chicken With Sour Cream Sauce)

I've posted this recipe before here on Gather (Romanian Food For Supper (recipes included)), but we fixed it again recently, and I wanted to include it in my "Eating While Broke" series.  It's such a frugal dish and yet tastes so "different" from normal fare.  We never have scallions, so I either use minced dried onion, chives, regular onions, or I just omit altogether.  I've used dried dill before too, and I generally use dried parsley too, although I have used fresh.  This stuff is so great!  Try it and see!

Pui cu Smantana (Chicken with Sour Cream)

Ingredients:

• 3 T butter
• 3 lbs. chicken, cut into 8 serving pieces salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch of scallions, cleaned and chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 T fresh dill sprigs, chopped
• 4 T sour cream
• 1 T flour
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 potatoes, peeled, boiled, and cut into small pieces
• 2 T fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, melt 2 T butter and brown chicken pieces on medium-high heat.  When nicely browned (about 10 minutes each side), sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
2. In a separate skillet, melt the rest of the butter, and lightly saute scallions, garlic, and dill on low heat.
3. In a small bowl, mix sour cream and flour well, and add lemon juice.
4. When chicken is cooked, add sauteed ingredients, potatoes, and sour cream mixture, then stir well.  Let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with a light salad with lemon or balsamic vinegar dressing.

You can see additional posts in the 2010 "Eating While Broke" series by clicking the following links:

• Crockpot Chicken with Black Beans and Cream Cheese

Be sure to check out the group "Eating While Broke" for other frugal recipes and tips, along with freebies and other things to help you save money.